United changes rules for elite members of MileagePlus

Premier qualification, boarding priority, baggage allowance and more

United’s brand new Boeing 777-300ER arrives at SFO for the first time (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

United’s brand new Boeing 777-300ER arrives at SFO for the first time (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

Photo: Chris McGinnis

Photo: Chris McGinnis

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United’s brand new Boeing 777-300ER arrives at SFO for the first time (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

United’s brand new Boeing 777-300ER arrives at SFO for the first time (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

Photo: Chris McGinnis

United changes rules for elite members of MileagePlus

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Elite-level members of United's MileagePlus program will soon see some changes in the rules for boarding, baggage, Premier qualifications and upgrades.

According to a chat we had with MileagePlus head Luc Bondar, United is making these changes as part of "an overall effort to simplify and standardize the program." He also said that United wants to be sure that "the value promise we promise to elite level members is one that we can deliver." While he would not reveal what percentage of elite flyers are 1K members, these moves make it clear that the group may have become too large.

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PREMIER QUALIFICATION: On January 1, United will make some changes in earning Premier status. The spending requirement for making it into Premier 1K will go up from the current $12,000 to $15,000 Premier qualification dollars (PQDs). It will also become tougher to get in the 1K door: Those traveling on P-class fares (discounted premium fares) will earn 150 percent Premier qualifying miles (PQMs) instead of the current 200 percent.

"We're adjusting qualification requirements for Premier status to make sure we're offering our most appealing program benefits to our most loyal customers, and that these benefits, such as upgrades, remain more easily available," said Bondar. The $15,000 requirement aligns MileagePlus with Delta's SkyMiles top tier Diamond Medallion status. However, American still lets members into Executive Platinum at the $12,000 level.

BOARDING: The airline revealed this week that effective September 28, Premier Gold members will be called to board with Boarding Group 1 instead of Group 2, and Premier 1Ks will be allowed on the aircraft during pre-boarding- with Global Services flyers. Bondar said that United has recieved plenty of kudos from elite level flyers about the new 2-lane boarding set-up, which the carrier rolled out last week. However, from our end, we are hearing a lot about teething issues as the new system is rolled out. Read about that here.

UPGRADES: Upgrade earning rules for Premier 1Ks will also change January 1. "For every 25,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 30 Premier qualifying segments (PQS) after qualifying for Premier 1K status, we'll add one Global Premier Upgrade into your account," United said. "No additional Regional Premier Upgrades can be earned after qualifying for Premier 1K status." That's good news for those who travel a lot internationally, but not so good for those who like to use regional upgrades to bump up to first from the back of the plane on domestic flights.

Currently, Premier members earn two Regional Premier Upgrades for every 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS and two Global Premier Upgrades for every 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS after reaching Premier 1K status.

BAGS: Of less importance to frequent travelers who prefer to carry on bags, United is also adjusting checked bag allowances for elites as of September 28. The bag weight maximum for all Premier members regardless of level will now be 70 pounds per piece. (Have you ever weighed your bags? 70 pounds is heavy!) All Premiers flying in United Business, United First or Polaris will be allowed up to three checked bags; Golds flying in economy class between the U.S. and Europe are allowed three (up from two); and Silvers in economy between the U.S. and Europe can check two pieces of up to 70 pounds each (an increase from one 50-pound bag). United noted that these changes bring its Europe checked bag rules in line with other long-haul international routes- part of an overall effort to standardize and simplify the rules, according to Bondar.

What do you think of the changes? Will this impact your flying much next year? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.